Sunday Times (Time of India News paper) on June 28, 2009 (Bangalore): At 113 years and 14 days, Henry Allingham who lives near Brighton in the UK, is the world's oldest man. the secret of his long life? Cegarettes, whisky, and wild, wild women. At 112, Pandit Sudhakar Chaturvedi of Bangalore is a year younger. So what's the secret of his long life, free of diabetes, blood pressure problems and arthritis? Rather staid stuff - loving (doesn't include wild women though), laughing, vegetarian diet, vitamin tablets and a passion for the Vedas.

This sprightly centenarian gives lectures, writes articles, is a consultant and walks around comfortably. India's senior most citizen's zest for life is infectious: "I have more to do," he says.

His granddaughter adds: " Dada was born on Sree RAMA NAVAMI day in 1897 in Bangalore. His father was a teacher and he travelled with him a lot as a child." At eight, he attended a gurukal at Kangadi in Haridwar.

Chaturvedi, a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi, was popularly known as the Postman to Gandhiji. He participated in the Jallianwallah Bagh protest and was arrested 31 times during the freedom struggle. Later, he became a follower of Arya Samaj's Dayanand Saraswati.

Now, his sole interst is spiritualism and spreading the Vedic message. This, after declining offers from political parties to join them. Every Saterday, he conducts classes on the Vedas and pens articles for magazines. " People approach me with problems and I help sort them out," said Chaturvedi.

He gets up at 3.30 am and starts reading the Upanishads and darshans. Two hours are kept aside for meditation. " If one followins the Vedas and keep one's body, soul and speech pure, a healthy long life is in store," he added.

He reads newspapers and magazines in English, Hindi and Kannada and discusses the reports with visitors. Chaturvedi lives with his granchildern in Jayangar. He's a bachelor who had adopted a son. Apart from regular check-ups, he hardly goes to hospitals.

Having lived in the 19th, 20th and 21st century, Chaturvedi has seen four generations of his family and is a 'content man'.